Dynamic lifting framework

ABSTRACT

A modular dynamic lifting framework for a standard ISO block shipping container is disclosed, comprising two side frames which are mounted to the sides of the shipping container, and a number of braces which secure the side frames. Each of the ISO blocks on the shipping container is contacted on at least three sides (in the X, Y, and Z axes) to ensure maximum carrying capacity with minimal effort in loading/unloading during a dynamic lifting situation. The modular construction obviates the need for the entire container to be lifted during installation of the framework, as one side can be installed at a time.

PRIORITY STATEMENT

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/161,701, filed May 14, 2015 by C. Wade Navarre II,entitled “Dynamic Lifting Framework.” The disclosure of this provisionalapplication is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure relate,generally, to an apparatus and method for loading standardized shippingcontainers within a framework which can be engaged with a liftingmechanism such as a crane for dynamic lifting, a spreader bar, orforklift

It is common in the shipping industry for standardized, rectangularshipping containers to be fitted with “ISO blocks,” corner-mountedfittings with a plurality of apertures therethrough. (These are referredto as “ISO blocks” due to the with International Organization ofStandardization, whose ISO 1161 publication defines manufacturingstandards for freight containers.) These blocks allow containers to beeasily aligned and stacked with a small amount of clearance between themto fit forklifts and other lifting mechanisms.

However, these ISO blocks are often not intended to bear the weight of ashipping container, and utilizing the apertures as a direct load-bearingmethod during a dynamic lift can lead to mechanical failure.

As a result, various lifting frameworks have been designed to indirectlylift the container through engaging with the apertures of an ISO block.An example of such a framework can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,497to Updegrove, et al.

The manufacturing and configuration of these lifting frameworks aregoverned by several standards, including but not limited to, EN(European Standard) 12079, IMO (Int'l Maritime Organizattion) 860, DNV(Det Norsk Veritas) 2.7-1, SEPCO (Shell Exploration and Productioncompany) OPS0055, and others.

However, these frameworks share several drawbacks. In many cases, thesecontainers lift the framework only by the top corner blocks, reducingthe amount of weight that can be borne by the lifting apparatus.Alternatively, the frameworks which support the container from thebottom tend to be bulky and require the container to be first liftedonto a weight-bearing portion which is then in turn lifted from above.

A need exists for a dynamic lifting framework which is light, easilymounted, and maximizes the carrying capacity. A need also exists for adynamic lifting framework that prevents the mechanical failuresassociated with the direct loading of ISO blocks by engaging with alleight corners of a container fitted with ISO blocks. A need also existsfor a dynamic lifting framework which can accomplish these goals withinthe various dynamic lifting standards established in the industry.

Embodiments of the apparatus described herein meet this and other needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the detailed description of the embodiments, presented below,reference is made to the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1A depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of the frameworkaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B depicts an isolated view of one component of the frameworkdepicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C depicts an isolated view of another component of the frameworkdepicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A depicts a zoomed-in view of a component of the frameworkdepicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the framework depicted in FIG. 1A alongdirection X.

FIG. 2C is a side view of the framework depicted in FIG. 1A alongdirection Y.

FIG. 3A is a side view of an embodiment of a side frame according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the side frame of FIG. 3A along line B-B.

FIG. 3C is a top view of the side frame of FIG. 3A along line C-C.

FIG. 3D is a zoomed-in view of area D on the side frame of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E is a zoomed-in view of area E on the side frame of FIG. 3C.

One or more embodiments are described below with reference to the listedFigures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before describing selected embodiments of the present disclosure indetail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limitedto the particular embodiments described herein. The disclosure anddescription herein is illustrative and explanatory of one or morepresently preferred embodiments and variations thereof, and it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes in thedesign, organization, order of operation, means of operation, equipmentstructures and location, methodology, and use of mechanical equivalentsmay be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

As well, it should be understood the drawings are intended to illustrateand plainly disclose presently preferred embodiments to one of skill inthe art, but are not intended to be manufacturing level drawings orrenditions of final products and may include simplified conceptual viewsas desired for easier and quicker understanding or explanation. As well,the relative size and arrangement of the components may differ from thatshown and still operate within the spirit of the invention.

Moreover, it will be understood that various directions such as “upper,”“lower,” “bottom,” “top,” “left,” “right,” and so forth are made onlywith respect to explanation in conjunction with the drawings, and thatthe components may be oriented differently, for instance, duringtransportation and manufacturing as well as operation. Because manyvarying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of theconcept(s) herein taught, and because many modifications may be made inthe embodiments described herein, it is to be understood that thedetails herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and non-limiting.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, an example of a dynamic lifting framework 10is shown in FIG. 1A comprising two side frames 20 a and 20 b, and fourbraces 30 a-30 d (30 c not visible). The lifting framework 10 may bepositioned outside the ISO container 11 (partially cut away) and canengage with the ISO corner blocks 12 a-12 h (12 d and 12 e not visible)thereof. FIG. 1B depicts an exemplar side frame 20 in greater detail,said side frame comprising two top corner fittings 21 a and 21 b, andtwo bottom corner fittings 21 c and 21 d. FIG. 1C depicts an exemplarbrace 30 comprising two connecting fittings 31 a and 31 b, and eachfitting can also comprise two apertures 32 a and 32 b, as shown.

As depicted in FIG. 1A, it can be seen that the container 11 restsentirely off the ground and on lifting framework 10. The primaryweight-bearing portions of the framework 10 are, specifically, the lowerportions of the side frames 20 a and 20 b, and the braces 30 c and 30 d(not visible) which allow the container 11 to be dynamically liftedwithout placing overwhelming stress on any of the ISO corner blocks 12a-12 h of the container 11. Forklift holes 19 can be positioned abovethe bottom braces 30 c and 30 d for lifting from below. View directionsX and Y are present to provide reference for subsequent drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, these drawings depict side-on views of theframework 10 and ISO container 11 depicted in FIG. 1, with FIG. 2Bequivalent to 2C along view direction X, and FIG. 2C equivalent to 2Balong view Y. 2A depicts an expanded view of a corner fitting (in thiscase 21 a) blown up along the X view. FIG. 2B shows the braces 30 a and30 c linking side frames 20 a and 20 b.

Referring specifically to FIG. 2A, connecting fittings 31 a and 31 b ofeach brace comprise two apertures, which, for connecting fitting 31 a,are labeled as 32 a and 32 b (shown in FIG. 1C; due to the zoomed-inview only one of the brace connecting fittings will be described indetail.) Apertures 32 a and 32 b are sized to accommodate fasteners 33and 34, depicted in this embodiment as a bolt 33 and nut 34, although itcan be appreciated that other forms of fastening known in the art areincluded within the scope of this disclosure. Alternatively, thecomponents may be welded together directly.

Additionally, as shown, top corner fitting 21 a can comprise a pad eye24 for dynamic lifting via a sling or spreader bar or other appropriatelifting means. This avoids placing undue stress on the ISO cornerfitting of the container 11, and as the container 11 is lifted, theweight will be borne by the framework 10 rather than the corner fittingsof container 11.

FIG. 2C depicts the container 11 and framework 10 of FIG. 2B rotated 90degrees such that only the side frame 20 a is visible, and the braces 30a-30 d are head-on (and thus not visible). For clarity, only one of thecorner fittings (21 a) will be described and numbered in detail. Here itcan be seen that corner fitting 21 a can comprise two apertures 22 a and22 b which can align with a single connecting fitting (31 a, notvisible) of a brace 30. Also, depicted in FIG. 2C are the two bottomcorner fittings 21 c and 21 d of side frame 20 a, each of which alsocontains two apertures for aligning with a single connecting fitting ofa brace. Each of the bottom corner fittings 21 c, 21 d additionallycomprises a small extrusion 25 on the outside vertical edge to provide adegree of clearance from the ground and to provide additional strengthto the corner connection. It has been observed that such a configurationassists in transferring weight from the horizontal to the verticalmembers. Forklift holes 19 can be positioned above framework 10 andutilized for lifting. (On top corner fittings 21 a and 21 b, pad eye 24is positioned on top of extrusion 25.)

In addition to the extrusions 25, each corner fitting 21 a-21 d canadditionally comprise a support brace 27, as well as a connecting plate28 affixing outer member 26 to the vertical portion of side frame 20 a.These elements can allow the framework 10 to tightly fit the container11 along all three dimensions and prevent sliding. Outer member 26braces the container from sliding in the X direction, by sitting outsidethe plane of the side frame 20 as depicted in FIG. 2A. The verticalportion of side frame 20 a prevents the container from sliding in the Ydirection, while the lower horizontal portion of side frame 20 a holdsthe container against gravity during movement in the Z axis (i.e.,lifting and lowering). Each corner fitting can additionally compriseapertures 22 a and 22 b, to align with apertures 32 a and 32 b of eitherend 31 a or end 32 b of brace 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3E, an isolate view of a single side frame 20is provided along several directions. FIG. 3A depicts a side frame 20along a similar view to that depicted by FIG. 2C. Side frame 20, asearlier, comprises four corner fittings 21 a-21 d, which are identicalexcept with respect to orientation and top corner fittings 21 a and 21 bhaving pad eyes 24 placed on the top extrusion 25. FIG. 3B depicts FIG.3A along the B-B direction, in a similar orientation to FIG. 2B. FIG. 3Cdepicts FIG. 3A along the C-C direction from above. FIGS. 3D and 3E arezoomed in views of FIGS. 3A and 3C, depicting a closer view of bottomcorner fitting 21 d, and a closer view of a top corner fitting 21 b,respectively. FIG. 3D and 3E utilize dashed lines to help show the fullconfiguration of corner fitting 21 even when obscured by othercomponents.

FIG. 3D depicts each element of the corner fitting, including apertures22 a and 22 b, extrusion 25, outer member 26, support brace 27, andconnecting plate 28. Extrusion 25 and support brace 27 are also visiblein FIG. 3E, along with pad eye 24. Outer member 26 and connecting plate28 are located below extrusion 25 in FIG. 3E, as indicated by the dottedlines.

In addition to being a modular, resulting in an easily customizedfabricating process involving simple individual elements, the presentinvention also provides for easier loading within a framework. Ratherthan completely lifting the container 11, the container need only belifted on one side at a time, and only to a degree sufficient toaccommodate one side frame 20 a, which can then be positioned along withtwo top braces 30 a-30 b, and then a second side frame 20 b, and thebottom two lifting braces 30 c-30 d.

Although several preferred embodiments of the invention have beenillustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoingspecification, it will be understood by those of skill in the art thatadditional embodiments, modifications and alterations may be constructedfrom the invention principles disclosed herein. Significantly, noparticular dimensions or materials are claimed or inferred by way ofthis disclosure, which may be adapted to different needs as warranted bythe weight and density of the cargo to be lifted.

Additionally, it can be appreciated that while the detailed embodimentsare described with respect to a standard shipping container fitted withISO blocks, this framework can be easily adapted and utilized withnon-standard containers, racks, etc., while still falling within thescope of the disclosed invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A framework for a cargo container comprising: atleast two side frames defining a plane and comprising at least fourcorners; and a plurality of braces connecting the at least four cornersof one of the at least two side frames with the at least four corners ofthe other of the at least two side frames, wherein each of the at leastfour corners of the at least two side frames contacts a corner of thecargo container on at least three sides.
 2. The framework of claim 1,wherein one of the at least two side frames further comprises aplurality of apertures along the bottom for receiving a forklift.
 3. Theframework of claim 1, where each brace of the plurality of bracesfurther comprises an aperture for receiving a fastener therethrough. 4.The framework of claim 1, wherein the plurality of braces and the atleast two side frames are welded.
 5. The framework of claim 1, whereineach corner of the at least four corners further comprises a verticalextrusion.
 6. The framework of claim 5, wherein at least two corners ofthe at least four corners further comprise a pad eye located atop thevertical extrusion.
 7. The framework of claim 1, wherein each corner ofthe at least four corners further comprises a support brace.
 8. Theframework of claim 1, wherein the at least two side frames furthercomprise an outer member located outside the plane.
 9. A method ofbracing a container block comprising a plurality of corners, whereineach of the corners comprises a corner block, the method comprising:lifting a first side of the container block; mounting a first side frameto the first side of the container block, wherein the bottom of thefirst side of the container block rests on the first side frame; liftinga second side of the container block; mounting a second side frame tothe second side of the container block, wherein the bottom of thecontainer block rests on the second side frame; aligning a plurality ofbraces with the first side frame and the second side frame; fasteningsaid plurality of braces to the first side frame and the second sideframe; and lifting the first and second side frames.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the step of lifting the first and second side framesfurther comprises attaching a lifting mechanism through a plurality ofpad eyes located on the top side of the first side frame and the secondside frame.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of mounting thefirst side frame further comprises aligning the container between twoouter members located on the bottom of the first side frame.
 12. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the step of mounting the second side framefurther comprises aligning the container between two outer memberslocated on the bottom of the second side frame.
 13. The method of claim13, wherein each respective corner block of the plurality of corners iscontacted on at least three sides by the first side frame, the secondside frame, the plurality of braces, the outer members, or combinationsthereof.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of aligning theplurality of braces with the first side frame and second side framefurther comprises aligning at least a first aperture in each respectivebrace of the plurality of braces with a corresponding aperture in thefirst side frame, and aligning at least a second aperture in eachrespective brace of the plurality of braces with a correspondingaperture in the second side frame.
 15. The method of claim 14, whereinthe step of fastening said plurality of braces to the first side frameand the second side frame is accomplished through a plurality of boltsand nuts located within each first aperture in each respective brace ofthe plurality of braces, and each second aperture in each respectivebrace of the plurality of braces.
 16. The method of claim 9, wherein thecorner blocks are ISO 1161 standard.